The Old Paths

We are in the last few hours of 2010. As you think about 2011, may I suggest some New Year's resolutions? How about Old Paths for a New Year. My thanks to my friend Doug for the suggestion. Here is the verse:

Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

The old paths are the good way! Here are some old paths that will lead you to rest for your soul.

1. Pray. Spend time in prayer with Jesus in 2011. Matthew 7:7-8
2. Read the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God and we need to hear his voice! Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
3. Witness. Share the gospel in the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 1:16
4. Gather consistently with the church. Don't form a habit of forsaking the assembling together with the saints. Hebrews 10:24-25

These old paths are the good way. They will lead you to rest for your soul!

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Of all the resolutions you might consider this year, please make these high on your priority list!

Read the Bible in 2011

Here are some links to handy Bible reading guides for 2011:

1. Read the Bible from beginning to end

2. Chronologically

3. A portion from the New Testament and a portion from the Old Testament each day

4. New Testament first, then the Old Testament


There are 260 chapters in the New Testament, so if you read one chapter a day, 5 days a week, you will read through the New Testament in one year.

There are 1,189 chapters in the whole Bible, so if you read four chapters a day, 6 days a week, you will read through the entire Bible in a year.

I want to personally challenge you to set a Bible reading goal for 2011 and get into the Word! I promise you, God will bless you when you spend time in His Word!

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

How good to you have to be to go to heaven?

According to David Campbell, 83% of Protestant evangelicals believe that good people of other religions will go to heaven. You can read the article here:

Author: Most Evangelicals Believe Good People are Heaven-Bound

This shows that most evangelicals do not know their Bible and may not be saved themselves. The Bible is clear:

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Not only is the truth not being preached in a majority of churches, but the truth is not believed by a majority of those who call themselves evangelicals. If this is the group out of which much 'Christian' teaching comes in the form of books and sermons - can we trust it? What about the music that is produced by this group? Is it based on truth?

We better get back to the Word and take the message of Jesus seriously! Just because they go to church does not mean they are born again!

Six Megathemes on the contemporary church

Barna Research has published a study on six megathemes that have developed or are developing in the American church.

Here is the list:

1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate.
2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented.
3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life.
4. Among Christians, interest in participating in community action is escalating.
5. The postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian Church.
6. The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible.

According to this study, many 'Christians' don't know the Bible; don't care about the Great Commission; want things that make this life work; want to serve, but don't serve Jesus; can't see any difference between different faiths; and show no evidence of the Holy Spirit bearing fruit in their lives.

Are these Christians? Is this the church?

Here is the link: Six Megathemes Emerge from Barna Group Research in 2010

The search for immortality

Satan's lies to Eve:

1. Yea, hath God said - He caused her to question the Word of God.
2. Ye shall not surely die - He blatantly contradicted the Word of God basically calling God a liar.
3. There are no consequences for disobedience to God - He said she would not die.
4. Ye shall be as gods - He told her she could be like a god.

Satan continues to tell these same lies and people are swallowing them hook, line and sinker!

Marvin Minsky is the co-founder of the Artificial Intelligence lab at MIT. At 80 years of age, he is working to download a human mind so that it can be uploaded into a new body and thereby achieve immortality. He says this ability should be reserved for the scientists and that normal people should be content with a normal lifespan.

"Scientists shouldn't have ethical responsibility for their inventions, they should be able to do what they want. You shouldn't ask them to have the same values as other people," says Minsky.

You can read the article here: How to Become Immortal: Upload your Mind

Think of the arrogance and indifference to the Word of God in his statement. He is saying that scientists have more value than others. He is also saying that there is no right and wrong when it comes to science. Sounds like the same old lies all over again!

Beware - this new technology called transhumanism is working toward expediting the evolution of humanity through technological manipulation of DNA and the combination of computers and biological processes. As we see from Minsky's comments, the desire is to achieve immortality. Sounds like Minsky wants to be like a god.

When is Jesus coming?

Date setting for the rapture is not a good business to be in!

Mark 13:32-33 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Billboards claim Jesus will return in spring

Why would someone make these kinds of predictions? I guess it sells books and gets radio listeners. He already made his predictions for 1994 and missed that one.

Don't let these kinds of things distract you. Jesus Christ could return at any time. We are to always be ready. Instead of setting unbiblical dates, why don't we do what Jesus said to do.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Isaac or Ishmael

UNESCO has decided to declare Rachel's tomb to be a mosque. Amazing that the UN is rewriting history!

Rachel's Tomb is a Mosque

Thanksgiving - a free will offering

Leviticus 22:29 And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will.

The Israelites were instructed to bring various offerings to the Tabernacle to offer to God. Some of the sacrifices were compulsory meaning these had to be brought. Other offerings were considered free will. In other words the people could bring these offerings to the LORD spontaneously. They were not offerings for sin but simply out of love and gratitude to God for his goodness.

As the Psalmist considered the fact that God had heard his cry and answered his prayer he declared:

Psalms 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

As the Psalmist thought about going to the house of God to worship he says:

Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Let us bring a free will offering of thanksgiving to God. We have no more compulsory sacrifices to bring because Christ has been sacrificed once for all - for us! We of all people should be overwhelmed with gratitude to God for the precious blood of Christ shed for us.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Things are heating up in the Muslim world

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Persecution is on the rise and hatred toward the truth is growing daily.

Islamists in Pakistan Kill ‘Blasphemy’ Accused, Four Others

Disciples and Salt

Recently some of the men of our church studied the requirements for being a disciple of Jesus. It was a challenging discussion. Here is an essay with some of the areas we discussed:

Disciples and Salt

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans had mental illness in 2009

According to a Reuters article, nearly 1 in 5 Americans suffered from 'mental illness' in 2009. That accounts for 11 million adults. By this, it seems that depression is what is considered 'mental illness' and is highest among 18 to 25 year old's presumably because of rising unemployment.

God's Word tells us:

Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

The cure for a troubled heart is to trust Jesus and pray.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The article by Reuters suggests that not enough people are getting the help they need. Our country is hurting right now and the answers are to be found in the Word of God. Let's pray for those without a job and let's share the gospel with them. They need Jesus, he is the Provider!

How far would you walk to gather with God's people?

Young William Bradford who would become the leader for the Pilgrims that traveled to this country on the Mayflower in 1620 was faced with a dilemma. He was born and raised in the Anglican church, but because a friend gave him a Bible to read he became aware that the church had departed from the teachings of Scripture. He heard that Mr. Clyfton read from the Bible and preached mightily from it. Will Bradford would walk 20 miles on the Lord's day to hear Mr. Clyfton preach and be a part of the Separatist's church.

He was warned that some had been hanged for leaving the Anglican church to join the Separatists but he replied:

"To keep a good conscience and walk in such a way as God had prescribed in his Word, is a thing which I must prefer before you all, and above life itself. Wherefore, since it is for a good cause that I am likely to suffer the disasters which you lay before me, you have no cause to be either angry with me, or sorry for me. Yea, I am not only willing to part with everything that is dear to me in this world for this cause but I am thankful that God hath given me heart so to do; and will accept me so to suffer for him."

How far would you walk to gather with God's people? What would you give up to be associated with the true church?

Right now in Iran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a warning to the people in regards to the house church movement that, he says, "threaten[s] the Islamic faith and deceives young Muslims". You can read the article here.

What does it cost you to follow Jesus in America right now? Not much, but the day could come very quickly when it will be illegal to gather in the name of Jesus. Would you walk 20 miles to hear the Bible preached? Would you risk your possessions, relationships and life to be a part of the church?

Many have made these decisions in the past and many make them right now today.

FOUR STAGES FOR TRANSFORMING A NATION INTO SOCIALISM

Take the time to view this. It is very informative.

Halloween in Great Britian

Here is a link to BBC news. It seems that Druidism is now recognized by the British government as a religion. Here is where 'Halloween' comes from. Do you think this lines up with what Jesus would want his followers to do?

Druids, witches and other pagans celebrate festival of Samhain

Why all the Bible translations?

Have you ever wondered why there are so many modern translations of the Bible? The bottom line is quite possibly marketing and money. Here is an article that you should read:

How many versions of the Bible do we need?

One of the men quoted in this article actually says the Bible translation issue is drifting towards a Babel of translations. Wow! What a thought when the Bible says:

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Have you ever been in a Bible study and during discussion about three or four different people comment that 'their' version reads differently than the teachers? Confusion.

I know whom I have believed

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 10 & 11; 2 Timothy 1; Hosea 2; Psalm 119:97-120

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

These powerful, inspired words were written from a prison cell. Paul was not ashamed even though he was locked up in jail. Most people who are locked up are there for doing something immoral. However, Paul was locked up for preaching the gospel. As he wrote to encourage Timothy and us, he was pointing out that he was just as determined as ever that the preaching of the cross was absolutely necessary and he was not moved.

He knew who he believed. He knew Jesus! He had a relationship with his Creator and Savior. Jesus said:

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Eternal life is knowing Jesus Christ. Do you know him? Paul was persuaded that Christ was able to keep what Paul had entrusted to him. What exactly had Paul put in Jesus’ trust? He had put his heart in Jesus’ trust. He had put his physical life in Jesus’ trust. He had put his eternal destiny in the trust of Jesus Christ. The day is coming when every man will stand before their Creator and answer for the life they lived on this earth. As Paul thought about that day, he was ready because he trusted Christ with his eternity.

This is a magnificent passage about the confidence a believer can have in Jesus. Paul was not afraid of losing his salvation. He trusted Jesus and he knew that his sins were taken away. He knew that when Jesus was ready for him to come home, he would take Paul. He had no fear of death because he knew it would be a glorious homecoming for him.

Do you have this kind of confidence as you think about eternity? You may not be as close to death as Paul was, but we never really know how close we are, do we? There is only one way to have confidence as we consider standing before God. We must trust completely in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. Then we can have confidence that we are forgiven and as God raised Jesus from the dead, he will raise us from the dead too!

In Christ,

Rody

Pray for China

The 'church' that is not really the Church

I read an article by Pat Regan this morning that really made me think.

JESUS - Blind Faith and the Danger Of the Fundamentalist Mindset

By the way, if you actually click on the link above you will find that it is published in the UFO Digest. This article makes me think of two things.

1. The UFO idea offers an alternative. Instead of having faith in God's Word about the origin of life, you can have faith in an alien race that manipulated DNA and engineered humanity on earth. With this belief system comes supposed answers to many questions for skeptics. Men like Erich Von Daniken and Zechariah Sitchin (who passed away a few weeks ago) have presented a theory for the ancient monoliths, massive structures and paintings on earth that are clearly very old. They say that aliens once ruled this planet and engineered humans as a slave race. Their theories have literally spawned a religious following that is world-wide.

2. The syncretistic practices of Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy have come full circle. many people have realized that the Roman Catholic 'church' has simply borrowed ancient pagan practices and incorporated them into their system. For example the pagan spring equinox festival was and is celebrated all over the world. The Roman church created Easter to coincide with this. Christmas is also deeply rooted in paganism. It occurs just after the winter solstice and most of the traditions associated with it can be found in pagan rituals. Jesus was not born on December 25!

When unbelievers look at the 'church' that is not the Church they see these inconsistencies. Please show me in the Bible where we are instructed what day to celebrate Easter on? Please show me Jesus' instructions on how to celebrated his birth?

The world needs to see genuine disciples of Christ who are filled with the Spirit and are abiding in His Word. It does not believe religion. It needs the truth of the Bible and to see the love of genuine Christians.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Are you a part of the 'church' that is not the Church? Get back to the Word of God and see what the true church really is!

Pray for Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia it is illegal to proselytize and conversion to any other religion other than Islam is punishable by death. It is against the law to bring Bibles into the kingdom.

A tourist carrying a Bible onto a Saudi airplane will have it confiscated at the check point and it will be shredded in the airport. If someone is caught carrying a quantity of Bibles inside the kingdom, they will be whipped and possibly executed.

As we pray for Saudi Arabia this week, please cry out to God for those few believers who live there to be strong in their faith and that the gospel might be proclaimed in Saudi Arabia.

Just stop and think

Stop & Think from Stop & Think on Vimeo.

Military reports of UFO's

UFO's sighted near nuclear test sights. My theory is that the supposed aliens are demons who are setting humans up for a Great Deception.

Men burned in their lust one toward another

When a culture rejects God's Word and worships idols, they will start a downward spiral that leads to immorality.

Romans 1:27-28 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

I read about this first on Voddie Baucham's blog. It seems that among the Pashtun men in Afghanistan there is rampant homosexual pedophilia. You can read the article here:

Afghanistan's dirty little secret

Arrested for evangelism

It is illegal for followers of Jesus to evangelize Muslims in Iran. 7 Iranians and 2 foreigners (possibly British or American) were arrested for trying to win Iranians to Christ.

Iran Arrests 9 Christians for Evangelism, Reports State Media

These brothers in Christ were simply being obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Since it is not illegal for us to share the gospel in the United States, let's get the word out. We do not risk going to jail like these brothers did!

The Rapture

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This passage of scripture describes what is referred to as the rapture of the church. For some reason, many 'evangelicals' have decided that this is 'escapist' and God is not going to remove the believers in the catching up into the air. These folks are quite critical of the rapture. They are embracing social justice and ecological concerns because they believe that we are going to clean up the world in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

Many of these folks are also critical of the importance of evangelism. Instead of the church focusing on the salvation of men's souls, it seems they are focusing on social and environmental issues. So they don't like the rapture and they have rewritten the Great Commission.

Here is a link to an article by Tullian Tchividjia, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian church. Tullian is Billy Graham's grandson.

God's Evacuation Plan?

Burning Korans and Mars Hill

Acts 17:22-23 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

I am sure that Paul's heart broke as he walked through Athens. The Greeks worshipped a multitude of gods and made altars and built temples to them all. Just in case they had missed one, the even had one to the unknown god. Please notice what Paul did not do. He did not take a hammer and start smashing these idolatrous places of worship.

As followers of Jesus we should be doing what Jesus told us to do.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Instead of burning a Koran, we should be sharing the gospel with every creature including those who are followers of Islam. The Bible tells us:

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Burning a Koran does nothing but make Muslims feel anger toward who they perceive as infidels. Think of how you feel when you see someone burn an American flag. You are angry and grieved. This is a Muslim's holy book. No, I don't believe a word of the Koran, but if I wanted to win someone I would not start by dishonoring something they hold dear. Imagine an evangelist beginning his sermon by insulting your mother!

I am afraid that many Americans have forsaken the message of Jesus and don't want to see people come to know Jesus.

Paul stood in the midst of people who did not believe as he did and told them of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us go and do likewise.

A lesson in witnessing - straight from the Word

From Chuck Missler:

A man who has pressed through the darkness, suffered and struggled in grief and blindness, rejoices to the core of his being when he catches glimpses of the sun. One of the first things he wants to do is call to his loved ones, "Come over here! The sky is real! Come quickly and see!" For those of us who know Jesus Christ as our hero and King, our brother and Savior, the aching desire in our hearts is to show him to the rest of the world, to all those others struggling through the darkness.

Read the rest here...

A lesson in witnessing - straight from the Word

God the Father

I just spoke of this yesterday at church as we focused on the value of Emphasizing Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Here is an article from the Telegraph:

God no longer male, Scottish Episcopal Church rules

Now more than ever we need to know our Bibles and know the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Labor Day Prayer

Jesus said that we need more laborers and he instructed us to pray for them. Would you join me this labor day in praying for laborers for the harvest?

Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Jesus said the problem is not with the harvest, but with the lack of laborers. Let's pray that the Lord send laborers into the harvest with the gospel message.

Psalms 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Mark 16:15

Every creature needs to hear the gospel according to Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

We will be going out into the neighborhood to invite folks to church and share the gospel on Wednesday night. As a "get you fired up and ready" tool, please take time to read this article:

PREACH TO EVERY PERSON

I didn't write this, but I say, "Amen!" It is less than five pages long and well worth the read.

Christian relief workers killed

The Taliban hates the West and anything related to it. Imagine the hate that it would take to kill a group of people who are in your country to help your people who are refugees because of a devastating flood!

Pakistani Taliban Kills Three Foreign Christian Aid Workers

Great Sermon

Adrian Rogers is one of the best preachers I have ever heard. He has gone on to be with the Lord, but his ministry still broadcasts his messages. Here is a really good messaged from Romans 9. Please take the time to listen to it.

Predestined for Hell? Absolutely Not!

Pray for brothers and sisters in Mexico

Please pray for believers in Mexico. The battle between false religion and true faith rages on!

‘Traditionalist Catholics’ Attack, Expel Christians

Scripture Memory

Here is a great article on memorizing scripture:

He carries Scripture in his mind and heart

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Must Read and C-SPAN video

Just finished this book by David Kupelain. It is a really good book and I recommend it to you. It will make you think. David is the editor of World Net Daily. You can also watch him give an overview on C-SPAN here:

How Evil Works

Prayer in Jesus' name

Many American's believe in 'God' but the name of Jesus Christ is offensive to many. Jesus is the dividing and determining person. What you believe about Jesus will divide you from others and determine your eternal destiny.

Fox News has a story about a North Carolina pastor who was dismissed from his duties of serving as honorary chaplain for the State House of Representatives. He was invited to pray, he just could not pray in the name of Jesus.

Pastor Yanked from Capitol over 'Jesus' prayer

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Joh 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Joh 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Joh 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Christians and sharing the gospel

How important is it that we share the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Witnessing to the Witnesses

Here is a really good tool for your evangelism toolbox when witnessing to a Jehovah's Witness. When they come to the door, don't turn them away. Open the Bible with them and ask them some questions from the book of Revelation!

Witnessing to a Jehovah's Witness

Better yet, have this tool ready the next time you knock on the door of a Witness!

North Korea - Persecution at it's highest for Followers of Jesus

Open Doors USA has a World Watch List of countries where persecution of believers is severe. North Korea is at the top of that list.

Here is an article about a man who fled the country and became a Christian in China. When he learned the truth of Jesus Christ he was compelled to return to North Korea and spread the gospel there. It cost him his life by being tortured in a North Korean prison.

North Korean Killed for Spreading Gospel

Here is a man who love Christ and loved his people and wanted them to be saved.

Manly Firmness

In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson and the others pointed out that the King of England was confronted with 'manly firmness' by the Representatives from the American colonies. Here is a quote from that document:

"He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people."

Manly firmness in needed in every generation. The men of God must be strong and face the evils of our day with manly firmness!

Think about this quote from Teddy Roosevelt:

One of the prime dangers of civilization has always been its tendency to cause the loss of virile fighting virtues, of the fighting edge. When men get too comfortable and lead too luxurious lives, there is always a danger lest the softness eat like an acid into their manliness of fiber. The barbarian, because of the very conditions of his life, is forced to keep and develop certain hardy qualities which the man of civilization tends to lose. Unless we keep the barbarian virtues, gaining the civilized ones will be of little avail. Oversentimentality, oversoftness, washiness, and mushiness are the great dangers of this age and of this people.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

We don't want 'mushy men'; we need some barbarian virtues to face the evils of our day!

Rise up, oh men of God!

Twilight novels demonic

What is the deal with Christian girls watching the Twilight movies and becoming vampire groupies? Vampires and werewolves are evil, not good. Like the Harry Potter books, they are also demonically inspired. Here is an article that will help you understand this.

'Twilight of the West - Films with demonic influence?'

When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Witnessing to Mormons

Kyra and I were driving down the street and saw two Mormon missionaries with a sign advertising free a free DVD about Jesus Christ. Kyra asked who they were and I said they were Mormons. "What's a Mormon, dad?" was her question.

So, I said, "Let's go talk to them."

Kyra and I walked over and they offered us the DVD and we began asking them questions about who Jesus Christ was. They told us he was the Son of God. With some more specific questions we learned that they believed Jesus Christ was created.

We also learned that they believe that Elohim and Jehovah are not the same. They said Jehovah was Jesus in the Old Testament but Elohim created him!

I pointed out that Genesis 1:1 says:
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

and Genesis 2:4 says:
These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, (Genesis 2:4)

The Hebrew rendering behind the words "LORD God" is Jehovah Elohim. It was easy to disprove their beliefs by simply reading the Bible. They were not convinced but I pray that God's Spirit uses that to place a splinter of doubt in their hearts about what they believe.

I pray that God saves those two boys. They are lost and the 'Jesus' they say they believe in is not the true Jesus. The best thing about our discussion was that Kyra very quickly realized that they were not teaching the truth.

As we walked away, Kyra said, "Dad, they said Jesus was created! That's not right."

Praise the LORD for a discerning heart in my girl.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3)

Prayers in Iran

People sure have funny ideas about prayer. Here is an article about prayer sellers in Iran.

Prayer seller's trade booming

As we pray for Iran this week, keep in mind how lost these people are.

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

"We must now look at the United States of America as missiologists once viewed nations that had never heard the gospel. Indeed, our missiological challenge may be even greater than the confrontation with paganism, for we face a succession of generations who have transformed Christianity into something that bears no resemblance to the faith revealed in the Bible. The faith "once delivered to the saints" is no longer even known, not only by American teenagers, but by most of their parents. Millions of Americans believe they are Christians, simply because they have some historic tie to a Christian denomination or identity." -Al Mohler

Anyone who has been sharing the gospel recently knows that this is a reality right here in our city. Americans have truly "created a god in their own image to suit their sin." -Ray Comfort

You can read the whole article here: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

Pakistan 2011

It is nine months out, but it is time to be praying and asking God to provide for the Pakistan 2011 trip. Here is some information about the mission trip and expenses.

Pakistan 2011

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (John 4:35)

The Anvil of the Word

Last eve I paused beside a blacksmith's door
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
Then looking in, I saw upon the floor
Old hammers worn with beating years of time.

"How many anvils have you had," said I,
"To wear and batter all these hammers so?"
"Just one," said he; and then with twinkling eye,
"The anvil wears the hammers out, you know."

And so, I thought, the anvil of God's Word
For ages skeptic blows have beaten upon;
Yet though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone.

-John Clifford

Witnessing to Witnesses

Have you witnessed to a Jehovah's Witness lately? It is not easy because they are deeply indoctrinated with the Watchtower Society's false teachings. Here is a good article that gives some facts about what Jehovah's Witnesses believe:

Witnessing to "the Witnesses"

Please pray for these folks. They are greatly deceived.

Pray for brothers and sisters in Afghanistan

Who has all power? Is it human governments or is it the Lord Jesus Christ?

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

Our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan have the same mission we do here. When the human governments of the world do not agree with Jesus what do you do? You MUST follow Jesus!

Afghan Christians plead for Help After Execution Call

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan who are following Jesus.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:18-20

Please pray!

Meet the Camel

This Sunday, we will talk a little about camels from God's Word. Here is a great article about how God specifically designed the camel. This would be a great Family Worship / teaching tool about creation.

Meet the Camel

Cremation

In our sermon today, we discussed burial of God's people versus cremation. Here is a link to a good article on this matter.

Cremation: What does God think

Heathen practices

Our Mayor has declared June 18-20 'lady in blue weekend'. How do we have discernment concerning something like this? We go to the Word of God. Supposedly a Catholic nun involved in occult practices is to be honored. As a part of the weekend Native American spiritism in the form of a powwow involving a Coushatta dancer will take place. There will also be a Roman Catholic mass. This is a typical blending of Roman Catholicism and heathen religious practice.

So we have the false gospel of Roman Catholicism, spiritism and occult practices all mixed together. Not the kind of thing a follower of Jesus wants to be involved in!

It is interesting that my Bible reading this morning was from Deuteronomy 18. I blogged on it at The abominations of those nations. The Bible tells us:

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whither they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

Persecution in Pakistan

Any time Muslims have a majority it is not long before they make it almost unbearable for anyone who is not a follower of Islam. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Pakistan.

Muslims order Christians to leave village in Pakistan.

Today is the 66th Anniversary of D-Day

Operation Neptune and Operation Overlord began at 06:30 on June 6, 1944. This was the largest amphibious operation of all time. Five beachheads were invaded by over 160,000 troops landing on the beaches of Normandy. 195,700 Allied naval and merchant navy personnel in over 5000 ships were involved.

The U.S. troops landed at Utah and Omaha beaches with incredible casualties. The United States lost 6,603 soldiers on D-Day. Total allied casualties were estimated at 10,000 men.

Here is a U.S. Army video and some pictures from the front.

Freedom is not free. It is very costly.

A few thoughts

Ted Haggard is starting a new church. What does the Bible mean when it says, a bishop then must be blameless?

I am not saying Haggard is not a Christian - that is up to God. But I am saying that he has no business being a bishop, pastor, elder.

Liberty University invited Glen Beck (a devout Morman) to speak at it's recent commencement and awarded him an honorary doctorate. What does the Bible mean when it says:

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 9-11

Josh McDowell sums up the problem for us by saying that most Christians cannot explain their faith. What does the Bible mean when it says:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear...1 Peter 3:15

Many pastors are confused. Many Seminaries and Bible colleges are confused. As a result Christians are confused. And yet, God has given us his Word!

Ending Abortion by 2020

Prayer for India

With a population of 1.15 billion India is currently the world's second largest country. That is over three and one half times as many people as live in the United States! Less than 2% of the population are Bible believing followers of Jesus Christ.

Please pray for India!

Here is a link to a disturbing article about an evangelist in India.

Anti-Christian Motives Suspected in Evangelist's Slaying in India

Memorial Day

Just a reminder that this is the day we remember those who have died in the service of their country. Here is a link with a list of the men and women who have died in our most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan:

Faces of the Fallen

Here is a youtube link to a Fox News clip showing President Bush awarding the medal of honor to the parents of Lt. Michael Murphy, the first medal of honor recipient in Afghanistan. Murphy was a Navy Seal that gave his life on June 28, 2005 in the remote mountains of Afghanistan.

Lt. Michael Murphy's parents receive medal of honor

Every one of these men and women have mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives or children. They are friends and neighbors. It does not matter what we think about the wars our country fights or the politics. These men and women have given their all. Let's remember and be thankful for the freedom that we have and never forget the cost of freedom.